Can a felon get a CDL job?

People deserve a second chance. But sometimes it is not easy to get it. So is it possible for ex-felons to find a job in the trucking industry? Yes, they can be truck drivers, if they get their CDL. But much depends on what crime they committed and the state’s requirements.

What felonies disqualify you from getting a CDL?

It can be difficult for you to get company-sponsored CDL training, but you can always choose from different private truck driving schools. But you should remember that there are some felonies that make you ineligible to receive a CDL:

• Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Manslaughter in the first or second degree with a motor vehicle
• Misconduct with a motor vehicle
• Causing a fatality through negligent/reckless vehicle operation
• Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher
• Extortion
• Bribery
• Smuggling
• Arson
• Treason
• Assault with intent to murder

But keep in mind that each state has its own rules for issuing a CDL, which can disqualify you from getting your license.

Can you get a CDL with a DUI?

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is an incredibly dangerous offense. It means that person was under the influence or had a BAC of 0.08% or more. If you received one DUI, you will need to wait one year before getting a CDL. But it can be challenging to find a trucking job with a DUI on your driving record. Of course, logistic companies prefer truckers with a clean record. You are more likely to find a job if your DUI happened at least five years ago. 

Are there truck driving jobs for ex-felons?

The good news is that there are a lot of trucking companies that hire convicted felons. Just please don’t try to hide the fact of your criminal record from a potential employer. The truth will come out anyway. Be completely honest when you are filling out your personal information. Each carrier has its own rules. Some of them can hire recent felons, other ones can only occur 5, 7, or 10 years after release.

Trucking companies that hire felons:

• Carolina Cargo
• U.S. Xpress
• Prime Inc. 
• J.B. Hunt
• Swift Transportation 
• Knight Transportation
• Walmart
• Covenant Transport
• Roehl Transport
• CR England
• TransAm Trucking
• Maverick Transportation
• Crete Carriers
• J&R Schugel
• R&R Transportation
• Gardner Trucking

Author Mike Skliar

As the truck driver recruiting agency's CEO, I deeply understand the unique challenges and demands truck drivers face.

Drawing from my extensive work experience, I bring knowledge in truck driver recruitment, logistics, and transportation management. I possess a comprehensive understanding of industry regulations, safety standards, and best practices, ensuring that the agency adheres to the highest standards of professionalism and compliance.

Now, looking back and remembering my path from the very beginning, it seems to me that this story is a lifetime. During all these years of development and growth of our agency, I took part in no less interesting projects in which my experience, knowledge and vision were needed. And I was also able to gain new skills, contacts and experience by participating in the development of these projects from various fields, such as cargo transportation, trucking companies, e-commerce, parcel delivery and much more! But the best is yet to come!

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